The Dolphins wrapped up their fourth day of training camp with yet another cloudy day, even though the outlook may have turned sunnier for one key player.

Pro Bowl tackle Branden Albert, coming off late-season knee surgery, participated in limited outdoor drills for the first time this camp. Albert, who wears a bulky brace on his knee, had been limited to warmups and walk-through drills in the bubble until now.

Albert

“It was good to have him out in pads — for him, for the team,” coach Joe Philbin said. “Just take it a day at a time and see when we can add more to his plate and go from there.”

Without Albert, Jason Fox has seen a fair amount of reps at left tackle, which is significant. Last season, first-round pick Ja’Wuan James shifted from right tackle to left after Albert was injured. If the Dolphins thought Albert wouldn’t be ready for the regular season, they likely would have James drilling at left tackle to protect Ryan Tannehill’s blind side.

Good day for Sturgis: Caleb Sturgis, trying to fend off Andrew Franks for the kicking job, had a strong performance. He was four-for-four with a long of 49 yards inside the bubble, then hit from 46 and 51 yards outdoors.

Pick-6 time: Ryan Tannehill threw what was believed to be his first interception of camp, a 98-yarder by Reshad Jones, who stepped in front of Damien Williams and frolicked toward the end zone, even flashing the ball in Tannehill’s direction along the way.

Jones pointed out that he stopped after about 70 yards since the touchdown was a formality and he wanted to be a nice guy.

“Didn’t want to make him feel bad the whole play,” Jones said.

Will Davis, easing his way back from knee surgery, intercepted Matt Moore on the next play as the red zone defense flexed its muscle.

“A couple of years ago, we were like top three in red zone defense,” Jones said. “That’s one of the things that we want to pride ourself on, getting back to that area.”

Landry, Brice McCain turn it up a notch: Jarvis Landry continued his outstanding camp with short touchdown receptions against Kelvin Sheppard and Brice McCain. Landry’s 7-yarder against McCain, along with Jones’ pick-6, were the plays of the day.

Landry and McCain both talked about how much they’re enjoying their battles.

“It was great,” Landry said. “It’s nothing like coming out and having that opportunity to compete.”

Landry said he appreciates “his vibe, the way that he plays, the type of player that he’s going to be and the way he’s going to contribute for this team.”

McCain said the trash-talking is just part of the fun.

“It’s jaw-jacking all day,” McCain said. “But it’s all fun and games. We’re making each other better.”

Cancer Challenge off and rolling: The Dolphins hosted the first Dolphins Cancer Challenge (formerly Dolphins Cycling Challenge) training ride of the year at camp.

“This is the start of our training camp,” said CEO Michael Mandich, son of former Dolphins tight end/announcer Jim Mandich. “We started this particular training ride three years ago and it’s grown in popularity. I think this is the second-biggest we’ve ever had. Almost 200 people came out today. It was really successful, a lot of people coming out. I think the enthusiasm is just starting to build.”

Riders went 18, 34 or 41 miles. Many then attended practice, drawing looks from fans wondering why all these people in cycling duds suddenly strolled in. The challenge will be held Feb. 20. For more info on how to be a cancer fighter visit DolphinsCancerChallenge.com

“We’ve transitioned from Dolphins Cycling Challenge to Dolphins Cancer Challenge because we want to reflect and we are reflecting more than just cycling,” Mandich said. “Now, we added a 5K last year. We’re going to have two fall family fests in November, one in Miami, one in Fort Lauderdale. It just becomes a little more inclusive of everything that relates to fundraising for cancer research.”

The Dolphins defensive line generated a lot of buzz this offseason with Ndamukong Suh, Cam Wake and Olivier Vernon receiving most of the attention.

But versatile backup Derrick Shelby has quietly become an important piece of the line. The Dolphins certainly understand his worth.

After playing for three seasons at the league minimum, Shelby — 6-foot-2, 282 pounds who was undrafted out of Utah — received a second-round tender from the Dolphins.

It’s a one-year deal that significantly bumped his salary this season to $2.35 million. It also shows how much the Dolphins value him — a second-round tender is costly for a reserve but it means that no other team could have lured him away without giving the Dolphins a second round draft pick in return.

“I was definitely excited when they wanted me back — more excited when I saw what it was for,” Shelby joked. “But it was definitely a good feeling to put in that work for three years and see that they value all the work that I put in.”

After playing 14 snaps a game as a rookie in 2012, Shelby’s snaps doubled the last two seasons to 28 per game.

His production increased last year, especially at hurrying opposing quarterbacks.

In 2014, he had 20 tackles, 16 quarterback hurries and three sacks in 15 games.

In 2013, he had 24 tackles, seven quarterback hurries and three sacks in 16 games.

His role also changed last year. He continued to primarily back up Cam Wake as the team’s left defensive end but he also received snaps at tackle for the first time in his career.

He expects to see more this year.

“With the talented guys we have you just have to get on the field any way that you can,” Shelby said. “Last year I kind of experimented trying to play d-tackle. This offseason I’ve actually had a whole year to do it, had time to practice it. Either way I can get there, whether it’s spelling Wake like I’ve been doing, or if I’m in there in a passing situation at d-tackle, I’m just here to help.”

Shelby’s emergence has been a small silver lining as the team has dealt with the Dion Jordan debacle.

Jordan, a defensive end who was selected by Miami No. 3 overall pick in 2013, is out for the season after his third drug suspension.

Shelby and Vernon — the team’s starting right defensive end — have outperformed expectations, which has lessened the blow of the Jordan failure.

The Dolphins also have defensive end Terrence Fede, who was drafted in the seventh round last year out of Marist College. His blocked punt for a safety gave the Dolphins a Week 16 win against Minnesota last season, and he’s had a strong showing early in training camp with several sacks.

As for Shelby, coach Joe Philbin called him a smart, dependable player.

“He can do different things as you’ve seen,” Philbin said. “We’ve utilized him inside in some sub rushes. He’s instinctive. He’s gotten better every year. He’s a good football player. We have a lot of faith in him.”

The Dolphins narrowly lost that game after a last-minute comeback by Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Shelby said he and the team have “gotten past” the suspension.

When asked what he learned from the experience, he said, “I need to shut my mouth sometimes.”

He said it’s “most definitely” been a quiet offseason with the focus solely on football.

After the defensive line struggled to stop the run late last season, Shelby said he was excited when the Dolphins signed Suh.

“He’s one of the most disruptive players we have in the game today,” Shelby said. “Anytime you got a guy like that come in and command attention, it makes everybody’s job easier. And then when he doesn’t get all the attention, he’s going to do what he does. Anytime you add a great player to an already good d-line, better things are going to happen.”

Shelby realizes that Miami could have one of the league’s best defensive lines and he said the reserves play a crucial role not just in the games, but in practice.

“When you have guys that are great — they’re already great and proven — it’s up to guys like me and the backup guys,” he said. “We have to aim for those guys. Because if we push them, it’s going to make them even better. And the better we all are it makes the game fun. We’ve just got to keep working. It’s Day 1 in pads. We have a long way to go.”

Shelby said it’s important to improve his play speed this season.

“Mostly not being stuck on blocks a lot,” he said when asked where he’s improved the most over the last few years. “Anytime you’re actively disengaging blocks, you’re going to make plays. That’s what I had to improve on from my first year, and even now. I could do it a half second faster and get to the back field that much faster.”

Unlike this offseason, when Shelby was a restricted free agent, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent next March if the Dolphins don’t extend his contract.

Vernon’s contract also expires after this season. He could command a large deal or be a candidate for the franchise tag.

Shelby said all he can do at this point is improve his game and help the team win.

“Some people worry about security and things like that. I just love to play,” he said. “I’ll just play it out this year and see what happens from here. You can only plan for the future so much.”

Landry, who led the team with 84 receptions last year, made another impressive one-handed ...]]>

Jarvis Landry at Friday’s practice (Allen Eyestone / Post photo)

The Dolphins broke out the pads for the first time this season and receiver Jarvis Landry picked up where he left off.

Landry, who led the team with 84 receptions last year, made another impressive one-handed grab during 11-on-11s. Throughout the practice, he caught nearly everything that came his way.

After playing almost exclusively in the slot last year, Landry is getting some looks outside. And he expects to see action there in the regular season.

“Absolutely,” he said of playing outside. “I’m excited about the opportunity that I’ve been getting.”

Coach Joe Philbin said Landry “pretty much” can play any receiver spot.

“He’s football smart, “Philbin said.

“I think his expectations are even higher, which I think is a great thing. You want to coach players that want to contribute, want to make a difference, want to make an impact and he’s certainly one of those guys. He loves coming out here. He wants to be involved and he wants to make a difference. Yeah, I’m excited about what he can do for us.”

Landry is sporting a new headband which reflects a change in mentality this season. It was inspired from the Dolphins’ offseason Navy Seals training.

“I think about Rambo,” Landry said. “Anytime I think about some of the Army stuff and just the transformation he made when he wasn’t John anymore — he was Rambo.

“For me being able to come out here and play the game I love at a high level — I wouldn’t say it’s a fashion statement. It’s just a little personality coming out.”

Landry has continued to work on one-handed catches from the JUGS machine at Dolphins practice.

“You can’t kind of prepare yourself for what’s going to happen in a game — well I guess you can prepare yourself for what’s going to happen in a game and that’s kind of why I do it,” he said. “But at the same time I don’t bank on making a one-handed catch. It just kind of happens out of reaction. This prepares me to be ready for when the opportunity presents itself.”

Dolphins receiver Greg Jennings is more than impressed with his teammate.

“He said something yesterday and I think he was just talking and he made the statement that, ‘I may not be the fastest,’ or something like that. But he said, ‘I’m catching everything that comes in my direction.’ Just that mindset alone will allow for him to be great because being around him, his football IQ for a guy who’s in his second year, hasn’t even started his second year season, is unbelievable.”

Offense surprises Philbin: While Ndamukong Suh and the defensive line certainly had its moments in today’s practice, Philbin said he was surprised how well the offense performed, especially early on.

Normally the defense dominates on the first day of padded practices.

“The first team period, I thought the offense was way ahead that first team period which was a little bit surprising,” he said. “But I thought as practice went on it balanced out a little bit. You saw it was a kind of multiple, we were doing a lot different things in that first team period and you saw our offense run the ball well, throw the screens well and run run-arounds well. So we had a good balance in that period and it was a good period. I thought the defense caught up a little bit as time went on.”

“When we’re sacking the quarterback, I’m a defensive coach, and when we’re not I’m an offensive coach,” Philbin joked. “But it’s good and bad. It’s good for everybody. He needs to get himself fully comfortable in our system and his timing and his rhythm down as a D-lineman and it’s going to be a great experience for our offensive players to go against him. He’s got an outstanding motor which is good. It’s going to benefit everybody.”

Cornerback update: Philbin continued to give Brice McCain some looks at right corner with Jamar Taylor moving to the slot in today’s practice.

McCain has been projected as the team’s slot corner and Taylor at right cornerback.

It would certainly be disappointing for the Dolphins if Taylor doesn’t win the starting job opposite Brent Grimes. This might be his last real shot, and Grimes said Taylor can do it.

“He’s got good awareness,” Philbin said of Taylor in the slot. “I think he’s a guy that can tackle well at that position, especially on normal down and distance you have to be able to — if when the personnel dictates that we’re in that grouping — then you have to be able to tackle. I think he can do that and, again, we’re just looking for different roles that he can fill and we need to develop as many players inside as we can.”

Will Davis, who is competing to keep his roster spot, missed today’s practice (knee).

Grimes or Landry best athlete?: Who’s the best athlete on the Dolphins? Players seem to think it’s either Grimes or Landry.

Landry conceded it to his veteran teammate.

“I’m going to go ahead and swallow the pride pill and I’m going to say BG,” Landry said. “BG, man, he’s all of 5-5 maybe. He can jump out the roof.

“That experience you have as a rookie coming in and seeing BG — you turn one way, you turn another way, and he’s right there. Then you see it on film and say ‘wow.’ It just reminds me of some of the guys I played with at LSU but he’s definitely in a category by himself, the things he can do at his size.”

No immediate word on Grimes’ selection for best athlete.

]]>http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/08/01/miami-dolphins-practice-report-jarvis-landry-ndamukong-suh-step-up/feed/1abramsonpbpJarvis Landry at Friday's practice (Allen Eyestone / Post photo)Miami Dolphins WR Michael Preston: More to me than catcheshttp://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/08/01/miami-dolphins-wr-michael-preston-more-to-me-than-catches/
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/08/01/miami-dolphins-wr-michael-preston-more-to-me-than-catches/#commentsSat, 01 Aug 2015 11:18:23 -4Sat, 01 Aug 2015 11:18:23 -4http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=32809After three days of Dolphins practices, the most surprising player has been receiver Michael Preston, who was signed as a free agent in January after bouncing on and off Tennessee’s roster in 2012 and 2013.

Even though Preston was out of the league last season, he’s not short on confidence.

“I see my chances as a 10 out of 10,” Preston said of making the roster.

After three days of Dolphins practices, the most surprising player has been receiver Michael Preston, who was signed as a free agent in January after bouncing on and off Tennessee’s roster in 2012 and 2013.

Even though Preston was out of the league last season, he’s not short on confidence.

“I see my chances as a 10 out of 10,” Preston said of making the roster.

Preston made a nice catch Saturday from Josh Freeman, building on two previous days with catches that drew attention. With such a crowded receiving corps, Preston’s chances of fulfilling that “10 out of 10” likely will revolve around special teams. He said he played on all four special teams for the Titans and is eager to pitch in there for the Dolphins.

“Those big four phases are key in a game and you only get one play to give maximum effort, so that’s right up my alley, as far as giving my best effort and making a play for the coaching and showing him that I’m a reliable guy,” Preston said.

Since the start of OTAs, it’s seemed like the Dolphins would go with Koa Misi at middle linebacker, Chris McCain on the strong-side and Jelani Jenkins at weak-side.

But at Friday’s practice, the Dolphins went mostly with Kelvin Sheppard inside, Misi at strong-side and Jenkins in his regular spot. McCain played with the second team and had a would-be sack of Matt Moore (the pads won’t come on until Saturday).

So what lineup makes the most sense?

Philbin said it’s too early to tell but they’ll learn a lot in the padded practices. But he wants to give Sheppard his shot.

“It wasn’t necessarily that as much as we’ve liked the way he’s caught on to how we do things here, both from he’s fit into the locker room extremely well, we think he’s got an excellent grasp of the defensive scheme and so I think he’s just fit in well,” said Philbin when asked what makes him think Sheppard could start. “He’s got good enthusiasm for the game, he seems to be a good communicator out there. We want to provide an opportunity to see if he’s the best guy.”

Misi was successful in 2013 at strong-side linebacker. He was graded by Pro Football that season 14th of 34 outside linebackers in a 4-3 defense. He was ninth in run defense.

But while he missed five games last year and was generally considered adequate but not great in his first season at middle linebacker, he had surprisingly strong grades by PFF. He graded 12th of 60 inside linebackers.

He graded as the fifth-best pass rusher for any inside linebacker. His run defense was 22nd.

Sheppard saw regular snaps at inside linebacker from 2011-2012 in Buffalo and in 2013 in Indianapolis. His grades regressed each season.

In his rookie season in 2011, the third-round pick out of LSU graded 23rd of 51 inside linebackers.

In 2012, he was 36th. In 2013 with the Colts he was 43rd.

The decision could also come down to whether or not the team thinks McCain is ready to start.

Sheppard initially signed with the Dolphins last September. He re-signed this offseason.

He said today that he expects to start and believes he understands the system. Last season, he was thrust into the locker room without a training camp or preseason.

“Last season I was kind of getting my foot in the door coming in late and everything,” he said. “I took advantage of the offseason.”

“I do expect that of myself,” he said when asked if he expects to start.

“It’s night and day,” he said of his understanding of the team’s concepts this year. “It’s one thing to know an offense. I know offensive schemes, offensive terminologies, how they get lined up and how they try to attack you but it’s how they try to attack our defensive schemes, how they attack our defense.”

Franks steps up: A day after Caleb Sturgis missed two 44-yard field goals, undrafted rookie kicker Andrew Franks hit all four of his field goal attempts.

Franks still seems like a long shot to win the job. He wasn’t exactly the most accurate kicker at tiny Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he made just 37 of 56 field goals attempts.

But all that matters is how he performs now.

“He’s got pop in his leg,” coach Joe Philbin said. “You guys see that. You come out here and you watch him and you go, ‘Oh, geez, there’s some pop there.’ The ball comes off his foot. Again, not perfect every time, but there’s something to work with there, for sure.”

The Dolphins also continue to like what Williams brings to the team. He was an undrafted rookie last year who expected to become the No. 2 back once Knowshon Moreno was injured. But while Williams was often the third back behind Miller and Daniel Thomas, he had some moments including a five-reception game against Minnesota.

“I definitely see growth,” Philbin said of Williams. “He’s a good athlete, he really is. He moves and I use that term — I know that sounds elementary — but he moves like a football player. He’s smooth, he’s athletic, he’s got explosiveness and, again, it just didn’t seem too big for him last year when he got here really. He just kind of got out there and competed and made some plays. I think we all gained a confidence and a comfort level in him as time went on.”

Miller a third-down back?: When asked what the team is looking for in a third-down back behind Lamar Miller, Philbin said it’s not true that Miller can’t be a third-down back — even though the team hasn’t often used him as that.

“For Lamar, I don’t think it’s a fair rap,” Philbin said. “He ran the ball relatively well on third-and-short, we think he can be a third-down back. But we also want to utilize — if we have 46-guys up to the game — we feel like somebody has a special contribution that they can make, and if we can utilize guys then we’re going to do that too.”

A.J. Francis hopes he doesn’t have to worry about it for awhile, but as the Dolphins took the practice field Friday morning, Uber initiated its plan to pull out of Broward County.

Francis moonlights in the off-season as an Uber driver, so he’s not pleased.

Francis

“That’s what happens when you’ve got politicians that don’t look in the best interest of the people,” Francis said, referring to conditions demanded by the Broward County Commission that Uber found unacceptable. The company issued an e-mail to users Friday, terming the regulations “an unnecessary and unacceptable burden.”

“The next elections will be great,” Francis said. “We’ve got to make sure we’ve got everything going the way it’s supposed to go because in America, whatever the best thing that’s available is supposed to be the thing that is best for the people.”

Uber offers cut-rate rides compared to traditional taxis.

“There’s still state legislation that can be pushed through in Tallahassee, so hopefully if all this gets pushed through, all this will be a moot point,” Francis said. “But right now, we’ve just got to overpay for taxis.”

Of more immediate concern is making the cut and playing a second season with the Dolphins despite a crowded field of defensive linemen.

“These first two days, they’re good, but they don’t really mean anything,” Francis said. “Until the pads get on, nothing matters. Tomorrow (Saturday) is when everybody starts to make their claim if they’re going to be on this team or not, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

“He’s a guy that’s got good skill-set, he can catch the football, he’s quick, he understands concepts well in the passing game and I think (offensive coordinator) Bill (Lazor) and his staff have done a good job of moving players around to different spots,” coach Joe Philbin said. “One of his attributes is his flexibility and ability to play different spots.”

Since being selected by San Francisco in the second round of the 2012 draft, James has just 193 career rushing yards and one touchdown.

He was signed by the Dolphins in November but spent most of his time on the practice squad while he learned the offense.

He’s no lock to make the team this year. The Dolphins also have Lamar Miller, rookie Jay Ajayi and second-year back Damien Williams competing in training camp.

But it wouldn’t be surprising to see Miami keep all four.

James — 5-foot-9 — has been praised for his playmaking and pass catching ability.

“I bring a lot of mismatches out here especially 1-on-1 with a linebacker, 1-on-1 with a safety,” James said. “I feel like I just bring a different element, a different aspect of the game.”

James doesn’t believe it’s too late to have a successful NFL career despite the early struggles.

“I haven’t gotten a lot of hits,” he said. “I feel like I’m experienced and I know enough about the game to excel.”

He called it “big” that Philbin singled out his ability to understand concepts.

“I think that just comes with experience, just being in the league and understanding everything in the game,” he said.

It was only the first day of practice and Sturgis will have plenty of time to redeem himself. But ...]]>

Caleb Sturgis struggled on Thursday in his return from a kickball injury, missing two 44-yard field goals.

Caleb Sturgis needs to step it up to keep his job (Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post)

It was only the first day of practice and Sturgis will have plenty of time to redeem himself. But after two seasons of ranking among the bottom of the league in field goal percentage, the heat is certainly on him.

Last season, Sturgis made 78.4 percent of his field goal attempts — 28th of 31 in the league.

He made just 9-of-16 attempts from more than 40 yards.

The only other kicker current on the roster is Andrew Franks, an undrafted rookie from tiny Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Franks had his own accuracy issues in college, making just 37 of 56 field goals attempts. If Sturgis struggles, and Franks isn’t the answer, here are the top free agent kickers available.

Shayne Graham (age 37): Former Saints kicker was tied for 11th in the NFL last year in field goal accuracy and was NFC’s special teams player of the month in October. He made one Pro Bowl in 2005.

Jay Feely (39): Was the Dolphins kicker in the disastrous 2007 season. He was a free agent most of last season but signed with Chicago late last year as an injury replacement and converted the Bears’ first successful onside kick since 2003.

Garrett Hartley (29): 31st in field goal accuracy in his last full season (2013) with the Saints. Was briefly on Cleveland’s roster last year.

Verdict: It’s not a deep list. The Dolphins best bet is for Sturgis to step it up a notch. If not, Graham is probably the best option. Or perhaps Franks — who has a strong leg but needs to improve his accuracy — will surprise in camp.

New Jets receiver Brandon Marshall has named Kyle Orton (Kyle Orton?) as the best quarterback he has ever played with in the pros. Naturally, one might ...]]>

Somewhere, Chad Henne must feel crushed.

Maybe Matt Moore does, too.

Marshall

New Jets receiver Brandon Marshall has named Kyle Orton (Kyle Orton?) as the best quarterback he has ever played with in the pros. Naturally, one might have expected him to name Jay Cutler, his successful tag-team partner in Denver and Chicago, but if not, how could anyone pass up Henne, his QB in Miami in 2010? (Yeah, that last part is sarcasm.)

Truth be told, Marshall did have 1,014 yards on 86 receptions that season with Henne, master of the 75.0 QB rating. But the next season, when Marshall had 1,214 yards on 81 catches, throwing the ball was Moore, the Dolphins’ current backup to Ryan Tannehill. And Moore’s QB rating that season was 87.1.

Moore

Personally, if I have a choice between Moore and Orton, as someone who was never high on Orton, I’d take Moore, regardless of how their stats compare.

As for Cutler, he appeared on NFL Network and at least outwardly took Marshall’s slight in stride.

“No one really likes their ex-girlfriend just after a breakup,” Cutler said. “He’s fine and he’s been like that for as long as I’ve known him.

“He’s an incredible player, he did a lot for us here, it just didn’t work out. I could’ve been the guy that got shipped out of here as well. New staff, new GM, you just never know what’s going to happen. He’s going to do well with the Jets and I know he’s in unbelievable shape. I’ve seen him work out in Chicago a little bit, so he’s going to do well.”

Dolphins fans also might be interested to know that when Marshall listed the best teammates he ever had, making that cut were Miami’s Mike Pouncey and Chad Pennington.

]]>http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/31/ex-dolphin-brandon-marshall-cutler-a-pass-breakup-that-isnt-pretty/feed/1hhabibMarshallMooreWR Michael Preston impresses early at Dolphins training camphttp://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/30/wr-michael-preston-impresses-early-at-dolphins-training-camp/
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/30/wr-michael-preston-impresses-early-at-dolphins-training-camp/#commentsThu, 30 Jul 2015 16:11:25 -4Thu, 30 Jul 2015 13:17:07 -4http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=32760DAVIE – Receiver Michael Preston was responsible for two of the top plays in the Dolphins’ first training-camp practice Thursday, making a strong early impression in his quest to earn a roster spot.

Preston’s first highlight came on a diving catch down the sideline. With Jamar Taylor covering him tightly, Preston laid out and grabbed the deep pass from Matt Moore. Later, on a back-shoulder throw from Ryan Tannehill, Preston pulled the ball away from Will Davis for a 25-yard completion.

“It’s an elating feeling that I can make those types of plays,” Preston said. “It’s good to come out here on the first day and make a big [catch] and get the fans excited, as well as my teammates. You just want to keep on doing those things and carry that on in the preseason.”

The 6-foot-5 Preston, in his third year out of Division-III Heidelberg University in Ohio, is likely competing with Rishard Matthews and Matt Hazel for one of the last receiver spots. Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings, Devon Stills and rookie DeVante Parker — currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list — are the top four. It remains to be seen if the Dolphins carry five or six receivers on their final 53-man roster.

“It’s important that the coaches build faith [in me] and I do everything possible to make this team and contribute,” said Preston, who had 10 catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games with the Tennessee Titans the past two seasons. “I don’t have to do anything supernatural … or make one-handed catches — just stay in my lane, do my job and be there when the coaches need me.

“My confidence in myself is through the roof. I’m going to let the chips fall where they may as far as making the team.”

DAVIE – Miami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert participated in the team’s walk-through on the first day of training camp Thursday and said he no longer feels pain in his surgically repaired right knee.

“It’s been a long road. I’m just happy I’m not on that PUP [physically unable to perform] list and I can be involved with the team. I’m not off on the side no more like a stepchild,” said Albert, who underwent reconstructive surgery after rupturing the ACL and MCL against the Lions last Nov. 9.

“I’m just happy to be in the situation I’m in. I feel blessed. It’s been a long, long road.”

Albert, who initially worried he might have suffered a career-ending injury, said he remains “on track” in his rehab to be ready for the Dolphins’ regular-season opener Sept. 13 against the Redskins, as general manager Dennis Hickey predicted in May. Albert said he doesn’t know if he will return then, or perhaps late in the preseason, but “in terms of coming back and being the player I was, I’m fully, fully confident.”

Added Albert of his return: “I’ve told everybody it’s going to be sooner than later. [Thursday] is a good starting point. I’m just happy to be where I’m at now, and I’m going to keep pushing.”

Said coach Joe Philbin: “It was great to have him out there today in walk-through, around his teammates. It’s good for him to get back in the football-playing mentality. He’s worked extremely hard to put himself in position to get back and contribute.”

Albert, who missed the final seven games of 2014, said his focus now is regaining strength in his right leg and getting back into football shape.

“Each and every day, I’m getting better, and that’s the God’s honest truth,” he said.

Albert said the most challenging part of his rehab was early on, when he was “learning how to walk [again] and doing the simple things I’ve been doing all my life” and had doubts whether he’d play again.

“I’m not afraid like previous,” Albert said. “I couldn’t walk. I was in a cast. I was on crutches for three months. That was the hardest thing. Now that’s over with and I can move forward. I’ve got a smile on my face every day.”

]]>http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/30/dolphins-tackle-branden-albert-on-track-for-regular-season/feed/2ahirshfieldpbpMiami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert at Dolphins training camp in Davie, Florida on June 2, 2014. (Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post)Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill: Everywhere you look we have weaponshttp://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/30/dolphins-qb-ryan-tannehill-everywhere-you-look-we-have-weapons/
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/30/dolphins-qb-ryan-tannehill-everywhere-you-look-we-have-weapons/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 12:44:59 -4Thu, 30 Jul 2015 12:41:37 -4http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=32751There might not be a player on the Dolphins more appreciative of the offseason moves than Ryan Tannehill.

Miami’s quarterback has a whole new group of receivers to work with and so far he agrees with ...]]>

There might not be a player on the Dolphins more appreciative of the offseason moves than Ryan Tannehill.

Miami’s quarterback has a whole new group of receivers to work with and so far he agrees with coach Joe Philbin — the offense will be better for it.

The Dolphins replaced Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson with Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker and Greg Jennings. Jarvis Landry is the only returning receiver who was a regular contributor last year.

“Yeah,” said Tannehill, when asked if the new group better fits his skillset. “They’re good receivers. They can run this offense the way we want it to be run. The fact of body control, being able to use the different styles of receivers that we have.

“DeVante’s hurt right now, but he’s a big body with strong hands. You have Kenny, a smooth, fast guy. Jarvis can do it all for us. Greg, he’s a savvy veteran, a great route runner. You look at those guys — Rishard (Matthews) is a big, strong body as well. Those guys have all the weapons that we need. As a coaching staff and an offense we need to put those guys in position to succeed and be able to get them the ball.”

Philbin said earlier this week that the new receivers are an ideal fit for Tannehill.

The Dolphins in recent years have lacked a red zone threat, which Parker and tight end Jordan Cameron should provide. Philbin praised Stills, who replaces Wallace as the team’s deep threat and might be a better route runner.

When asked what new player he’s most excited about, Tannehill said he couldn’t pick just one.

“We really have a stacked group all the way around from our backfield to our tight ends, the receiving group,” Tannehill said. “Everywhere you look we have weapons. So it’s going to be fun for me to be able to spread the ball around.”

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said that Tannehill has “all of the ingredients to be an elite quarterback.”

“I can’t think of a better person, a guy with the talent, the brains and the athletic ability combined to really lead this team,” Ross said.

Landry said that Tannehill knows what’s at stake this season.

“This year it’s definitely critical and vital for him to not only be our leader but continue to get better as he has every year,” Landry said. “I don’t think he feels any pressure. But at the same time, he knows his potential to perform at a high level, and he’s going to do that for us this entire year.”

Tannehill’s passing wasn’t always on point at the start of training camp on Thursday, but he said he’s much further ahead than a year ago when he was learning a new offense. Now, Tannehill is in his second year with offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

“Day 1 is always a little rusty getting in the flow again,” Tannehill said. “But I feel like it was a good start for us. We didn’t complete every ball and there were mistakes out there but if you look at where we started last year at this time, we’re light years ahead.”

Tannehill said he’s not sure why Philbin has been more vocal this offseason about the team’s title aspirations, but he likes it.

“I love the confidence,” Tannehill said. “I love the mindset it instills in our entire team. It’s contagious. It starts with him. If he’s confident, outspoken with what we’re going to do, what we expect to do, it’s contagious throughout the entire team.”

Every year Ross opens up at Dolphins training camp with a news conference and it’s often full of the same talk: I like the direction we’re heading in, I want to win, etc.

But Ross had a different edge to him this year. He badly wants to turn the franchise around, which meant signing run-stopper Ndamukong Suh to a six-year $114 contract, the largest deal in NFL history for a defensive player.

“This is the best roster you’ve seen in Miami in many years,” Ross said. “I think our season ticket sales are up. There’s a lot of excitement in the city with what we’ve done.

“We’ve attracted players. Everybody can talk the talk, but these guys have a lot of options. Certainly we got the best.”

It didn’t hurt that Ross was willing to pay Suh more than any other team in the league, although he said that the free agents that signed with Miami — which also included receiver Greg Jennings and tight end Jordan Cameron — didn’t just come for the paycheck.

“With them, it’s not all about the money,” Ross said. “It’s really being in a place that they feel comfortable, that they can excel. They’re all here to win. That’s the reason why I own the team. I want a winning team.”

Ross decided to bring back coach Joe Philbin for a fourth season despite three years without a playoff berth.

He wouldn’t say whether this a playoff-or-bust year for Philbin, but he made it clear that they both expect to stop the bleeding.

“He’s expecting to make it and I’m expecting to make it,” Ross said.

The South Florida sports world has traditionally dominated around the Dolphins with every other team fighting for attention.

Yet since Ross became majority owner in 2009, the Miami Heat have won two NBA titles. The Dolphins haven’t had a winning season since 2008, the last year they made the playoffs.

Last season, the Heat had the fifth-best local TV ratings in the NBA. And that was after LeBron James left for Cleveland.

The Dolphins had the NFL’s worst-local ratings for any market with one NFL team.

Ross, however, denied that the Dolphins are losing their mojo. In fact, he thinks they’re on their way back up.

“The Heat is a different organization now that LeBron James isn’t there,” Ross said. “I think the Dolphins are a team that’s kind of capturing the imagination over the whole entire fan base here in South Florida.”

The Dolphins are nearly halfway through a $400 million renovation of Sun Life Stadium. When it’s completed for the 2016 season with new seats, a canopy to protect fans from inclement weather and jumbo video screens, Ross believes it will be the best in the league — and Super Bowls will return to Miami.

“When you see what we’ve done, I don’t think there’s a stadium in the country that really could compete with us,” he said. “It’s going to be state of the art.”

Ross, who splits his time between New York and South Florida, has been criticized in the past for being an absentee owner, which he has denied.

He said on Thursday that he is “more involved now” and is behind the team’s focus on analytics and sports science.

“It takes a while to really get the real feel of how it works in owning a football team,” he said. “It is different than anything else that I’ve experienced. But I’m definitely more involved with it now and really pushing the envelop to be best in class, looking at new ideas.”

Unlike a year ago, when the Dolphins were still reeling from the Bullygate investigation that found locker room harassment in their locker room, it’s all football in Miami.

Now, it’s division rival New England dealing with its own scandal. Quarterback Tom Brady is fighting his four-game suspension levied by the NFL for his role in Deflategate.

Ross said that he agrees with commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to suspend Brady.

“I have a lot of confidence in Roger and the league office,” Ross said. “I’ve dealt with him, as you know, with a little controversy not too long ago and they’re very objective.

“When it happens to you, everybody is always upset. It’s a natural reaction.”

They are competing for starting jobs with Jeff Linkenbach and Jamil Douglas.

Jamar Taylor continues to work with the first team at cornerback opposite Brent Grimes.

And at linebacker, Koa Misi (middle), Jelani Jenkins (weak-side) and Chris McCain (strong-side) continue to line up with the first team.

Rookie DeVante Parker, who is on the preseason PUP list, was observing practice. He was walking gingerly after undergoing foot surgery a month ago. The team is hopeful he can return in a month but it remains to be seen when he will be able to return.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and coach Joe Philbin addressed the team before practice.

As dawn breaks, the club is preparing to welcome what should be ...]]>

It’s training camp time.

Welcome to the 2015 Miami Dolphins season, which awakens from its slumber this morning when the team opens training camp at Nova Southeastern University.

As dawn breaks, the club is preparing to welcome what should be a good crowd this morning, with fans eager to see the $114 million man, Ndamukong Suh, whose arrival goes a long way toward explaining high hopes that the team can finally return to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

First-round pick DeVante Parker, who had minor foot surgery, will not practice today but offensive tackle Branden Albert, whose season was cut short by a knee injury in 2014, will. How much he can do today will be a key question.

Also under the spotlight will be how Ryan Tannehill, who received a contract extension, connects with his revamped receiving corps, still led by Jarvis Landry but now including Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron at tight end.

Team owner Stephen Ross will address the media after practice.

The heat index is expected to hit about 100 when the practice concludes, by the way.

Jim and Suzanne Dunn, Pompano Beach, shade themselves as the watch their first Dolphins training camp in Davie, Florida on July 25, 2014. (Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post)

Dolphins training camp opens Thursday. Here’s a guide with all the basics you need to know:

Where: Nova Southeastern University, 7500 SW 30th St., Davie

When: Thursday, July 30, through Monday, Aug. 17

Admission: Free, but fans should request tickets at miamidolphins.com. Team tries to accommodate those arriving without tickets, but priority is given to those who have them.

Time: Although most practices begin at 8 a.m., the team stretches and warms up in the practice bubble, which is closed to the public. Players usually won’t take the outdoor field until about 8:40. So unless you really want to beat the crowd, you don’t have to arrive at 8.

Autographs: Select players will sign after practice. Considering they’ve been sweating under a hot sun for two hours, saying “thank you” is considered good form. Handing them a stack of photos and expecting them to sign away? Not so much.

Strictly enforced: Dolphins don’t allow audio or video recording or transmission of data, including blogging, tweeting and texting. Cameras are permitted, provided the lens is no more than 8 inches long and flash is not used.

Bag restrictions: Similar to game days, meaning backpacks and bags (other than clear plastic freezer bags and small purses) are not permitted.

Comment: The Dolphins have two solid quarterbacks and other areas of need. Carrying a third quarterback doesn’t make sense. Freeman’s best opportunity might be impressing in the preseason and earning a spot on another roster.

Comment: Matthews clearly has the ability to play in the NFL but coach Joe Philbin has never made him a regular part of the rotation (aside from when injuries required it). Matthews has also been in Philbin’s dog house. Michael Preston — 6-foot-5 — has an outside chance at the fifth receiver spot.

Tight ends (3): Jordan Cameron, Dion Sims, Arthur Lynch

Last man in: Lynch
First man out: Tim Semisch

Comment: Semisch — a 6-foot-8 undrafted rookie out of Northern Illinois — has an opportunity to beat out Lynch, who was Miami’s fifth-round pick last year and spent his rookie season on injured reserve. But Semisch will have to have a strong camp and preseason. Otherwise he will be a prime candidate for the practice squad.

Comment: It seems realistic that either Brenner or Walton will earn the final spot. Brenner gets the initial edge because of his experience in the system and the fact that Philbin mentioned him this week as a player who has been performing well. They likely enter training camp even. Linkenbach and Thomas beat out Jacques McClendon for a roster spot.

Comment: There seems to be a clear cut top eight in the defensive line competition. Johnson or another young player will likely earn a spot only if the team decides to enter the season with nine linemen.

Comment: The Dolphins might only keep seven linebackers, but they have four talented undrafted rookies in camp and it could make sense to keep two on the 53-man roster and develop one or two on the practice squad. Luc and Hull get the early advantage but Vigil and Neville Hewitt will have their opportunities.

Comment: It wouldn’t be unprecedented for the Dolphins to enter the season with 11 defensive backs — they did it in 2013. As it is they’re going to have to cut some talented players — that could include rookie fifth-round picks Bobby McCain and Ced Thompson, who the Dolphins would bank on remaining free agents and developing on the practice squad. Don Jones makes the cut because of how much special teams struggled when they cut him last year — and how appreciative they were to get him back mid-last season.

Specialists (3): Brandon Fields, Caleb Sturgis, John Denney

Last man in: Sturgis
First man out: Andrew Franks

Comment: Sturgis will have to prove himself in training camp and the preseason but Franks — an undrafted rookie out of tiny Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — may not be the guy to beat him out. If Sturgis struggles, a free agent veteran kicker might have to be the answer.

]]>http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/29/miami-dolphins-53-man-roster-projection-pre-training-camp-edition/feed/1abramsonpbpCam Wake can celebrate. He'll be one of the 53 players on the final roster (Allen Eyestone / Post photo)Dolphins bubble watch: Will Davis and other talented defensive backs in tight competitionhttp://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/28/dolphins-bubble-watch-will-davis-and-other-talented-secondary-players-in-tight-competition/
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/28/dolphins-bubble-watch-will-davis-and-other-talented-secondary-players-in-tight-competition/#commentsWed, 29 Jul 2015 00:29:59 -4Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:26:34 -4http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=32707This is our final edition of Dolphins bubble watch, which will lead us in to training camp. If you missed it, check out our previous looks at the Dolphins running backs, receivers, ...]]>

Dolphins cornerback Will Davis is one of several talented players on the bubble (Bill Ingram / Post photo)

Last season, the Dolphins entered the season with nine secondary players on the 53-man roster. In 2013, the Dolphins kept 11.

So let’s split the difference and assume they keep 10.

Although cornerback Jamar Taylor still has a lot to prove, the Dolphins believe that their 2013 second-round pick can live up to expectations. Injuries have derailed his career so far, but Miami is tentatively expecting him to start opposite Brent Grimes.

Free safety Louis Delmas has had his own injury woes throughout this career, but he’s expected to start opposite Louis Delmas.

That leaves everyone else.

It’s hard to imagine either Michael Thomas or Brice McCain being left off the roster. Thomas was developing into a reliable backup safety who could also play slot cornerback before suffering a season-ending pec injury last November.

Brice McCain is expected to replace Jimmy Wilson as the team’s slot cornerback. While others like Thomas, Will Davis or rookie Bobby McCain could potentially fill that role, the team has been envisioning Brice McCain there. He’d have to really struggle in camp and the preseason for his job to be in jeopardy.

So that leaves about four more players — potentially two cornerbacks and two safeties — with a lot of quality options.

Rookie Tony Lippett‘s immediate future is an interesting predicament for the Dolphins. He was the Big Ten receiver of the year last season and Miami is converting him to cornerback. He has looked strong through OTAs and mini-camp, but the Dolphins likely don’t expect him to make much of an impact this season.

Cutting him with the hopes of placing him on the practice squad, however, could be risky — he might be talented enough that another team with less secondary depth would poach him. So the Dolphins might have to keep him on the 53-man roster.

If Taylor fails to secure a starting spot, Zack Bowman might end up with the job. But if Taylor wins it, Bowman is not necessarily guaranteed a spot on the roster.

He was an all-or-nothing player for the Giants last year. Opposing quarterbacks had the NFL’s worst completion percentage against him, but he also gave up the most yards per play. So when QBs did convert on him, he gave up big plays.

Bowman is a strong candidate to make the roster, but he’s not a lock or even a “near lock.”

Will Davis, a third-round pick for Miami in 2013, is another tough one. He’s shown flashes of ability in his two seasons in the league. But he’s dealt with various injuries, including a season-ending ACL tear last year.

He had 135 snaps in six games last season. There’s still enough potential there to warrant a roster spot, but it could come down to a numbers game with other talented players on the roster.

Bobby McCain, a fifth-round draft choice for Miami this year, has the ability to become the team’s future slot cornerback. In an ideal situation, the Dolphins would stash him on the practice squad for a season.

If Grimes, Taylor and Brice McCain all make the team, then the Dolphins might only keep two of four between Lippett, Bowman, Davis and Bobby McCain.

Cornerback Sammy Seamster was an undrafted rookie last year out of Middle Tennessee State who shined in training camp and the preseason for Baltimore but couldn’t move ahead of other players on the roster. The Dolphins claimed him off waivers and he was on the opening week roster but went to injured reserve after Week 1 with a shoulder injury.

Seamster has had his moments this year in OTAs and mini-camp but might have a tough time making the roster because of the talent ahead of him.

At safety, Don Jones is another tough call for the Dolphins. They waived him last year and paid for it because they missed his special teams gunner skills.

Miami’s special teams struggled last year and they eventually brought Jones back midseason after he was released by New England. They’ll have to decide whether they want to use one of their secondary roster spots on a special teams ace who will have a limited or no role on defense.

Walt Aikens, a fourth-round pick out of Liberty last year, has the ability to become a rotational safety or cornerback. He was suspended for Miami’s season finale last year for conduct detrimental to the team, so in a tight competition personality could always come in to play.

You’d think the Dolphins would want to keep a recent fourth-round pick who came from a small school and is still developing. It helps that he has the ability to play safety or cornerback.

Jordan Kovacs has been an on-again, off-again safety for the Dolphins the last two seasons. He’s primarily a special teams player but might have a tough time making the roster this year.

Rookie safety Ced Thompson is a fifth-round pick for the Dolphins and much like Bobby McCain, Thompson would be ideally suited for a year on the practice squad. Thompson would probably have to beat out Jones or Aikens for a spot on the 53-man roster.

]]>http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/28/dolphins-bubble-watch-will-davis-and-other-talented-secondary-players-in-tight-competition/feed/1abramsonpbpDolphins cornerback Will Davis is one of several talented players on the bubble (Bill Ingram / Post photo)